Investments are always seen as profitable ventures, yet there’s a risk element involved in them. In today’s multifaceted economy startups are at a boom and people are willing to invest in these endeavours. One such group of investors is Venture Capitalists.
If you are someone who can see high growth potential in startups and can get a firm to invest in the startups, Venture Capitalist might be the career for you.
Read the article to learn about who is a Venture Capitalist, how to become a Venture Capitalist what courses and colleges you can apply to, in India and abroad. Finally, the job preparation and salary insights of Venture Capitalists around the world.
Who is a Venture Capitalist?
A Venture Capitalist is a person or organization that makes investments in businesses or startups with strong development potential in exchange for an equity stake in the enterprise. Venture capitalists work for a Venture Capital firm, which pools money and makes investment decisions.
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How to Become a Venture Capitalist
As mentioned previously venture capitalists analyze the growth potential and then decide to invest. For this purpose, a person needs to learn about finance, business, or related fields. Though MBA is not a mandatory course, candidates with an MBA have higher selection chances.
Step 1: Stream to select
After the completion of Grade 10, one can choose any stream. Followed this they can enrol in a diploma or undergraduate course in business, finance, statistics, mathematics, or related fields.
Step 2: Certification Courses & Project Courses
Certificate courses offer a deep understanding of investment and the mechanism of venture capital firms. The courses are taught by professionals and a few of them have a project in the end. Here are a few certificate courses you can try:
Name of the course | Duration |
Startup Valuation Methods | 1- 4 months |
Private Equity and Venture Capital | 1- 3 months |
Enterprennuial finance: Strategy and Innovation | 1- 3 months |
Entrepreneurial finance: Venture Capital | Self-paced |
Venture Capital Financing Modeling | Self-paced |
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Step 3: Educational Qualifications
Learning how to develop financial strategies and understand the business potential requires knowledge of investment models and businesses. Choosing courses that have subjects related to these knowledge pieces will aid in gaining the skills.
How to become a Venture Capitalist after 12th (UG Courses)
You can apply for undergraduate courses which are of an estimated 3- 4 years duration. The fees range from 20,000 INR to 3 lakhs. A few of the things you will learn are taxation, accounting concepts, principles, etc.
To become a Venture Capitalist in India
A minimum of 55% in 10 + 2 Grade or aggregate is required to apply for the diploma and undergraduate courses. Apart from this one needs to check the colleges for university/institution-specific entrance exams.
- Diploma course in India
Name of the course | Duration |
Diploma in Financial Management | 1 year |
Diploma in Accounting and Finance | 1 year |
Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment | 1 year |
- Undergraduate course in India
Name of the course | Duration |
Bachelors in Accounting and Finance | 3 years |
BCom in Financial Markets | 3 years |
Bachelors of Business Administration | 3 years |
BCom in Finance and Accounts | 3 years |
BSc or BA in Statistics | 3 years |
- Top colleges in india
The above courses are offered in the following colleges:
Name of the college | Location |
KJ Somaiya College of Science and Commerce | Mumbai |
SXC Xavier College | Ranchi |
Mithibai College | Mumbai |
Kishanchand Chelaram College | Mumbai |
Indian Business School | Hyderabad |
IMED | Pune |
IMS Unison | Uttarakhand |
Oxford College of Business Management | Banglore |
FLAME University | Pune |
Jain University | Kerala |
To become a Venture Capitalist abroad
To apply for an undergraduate program abroad, a candidate will need to have the following documents,
- A minimum of 60% in 10 + 2 from a recognized board and institution.
- Statement of Purpose with two references.
- A filled application and Supplementary Application questionnaire (SAQ)
- IELTS score of 5.5 and above.
- TOEFL score of 90 and above.
- UG course Abroad to become Venture Capitalist
Name of the course | Duration |
BSc Hons in Financial Economics | 3 – 4 years |
Bachelor of Science in Finance | 3 years |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Investment Management | 3 years |
BBA in Finance | 3 years |
Bachelor of Science in Finance | 3 years |
BA Hons in Business with Finance | 3 – 4 years |
- Top colleges
Name of the college | Location |
University of Toronto | Canada |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, USA |
Arizona State University | Tempe, USA |
McGill University | Montreal, Canada |
Texas A & M University | College Station, USA |
The University of Illinois at Chicago | Chicago, USA |
University of Greenwich | London, UK |
Northeastern University | Boston, USA |
Coventry University | Coventry, UK |
University of Waterloo | Waterloo, Canada |
Step 4: Job Prep required to become a Venture Capitalist
- Internships:
Internships are a great way to get experience and training from experts. Starting a career as a venture capitalist requires having relevant work experience.
Venture capitalists frequently have prior professional experience in industries including banking, product development, and consulting. Finding someone to mentor you in the meantime will give you better guidance.
- Portfolio creation
The portfolio of a Venture Capitalist should highlight your experience in analyzing business plans, negotiating investments, soliciting businesses, etc.
Include certifications, references, case studies, etc. that can help to give proof of your skill sets.
- Freelance
It is possible to become a freelance Venture Capitalist only after a few years of experience in consultancy, banking, or investment. Building connections during internships and jobs will help you to get different opportunities as a freelancer.
Also read: Career as an Economist
Skills to become a Venture Capitalist
Technical Skills:
- Investment skills
- Data analysis
- Financial analysis
- Deal sourcing
- Deal analysis
- Thesis Building
- Ecosystem Management
- Enterprising
- LP Management
Personal Skills:
- Strategy thinking
- Communication
- Empathy
- Curiosity
- Critical thinking
Salary for a Venture Capitalist
Finally to get the position in a Venture Capital Firm one will need relevant experience of 3- 5 years. The salary of a Venture Capitalist differs from country to country.
Country | India(in INR) | US | UK | Australia | Sweden |
Avg. Salary p.a. | 15 LPA | $330038 | £63,073 | $230,000 | 782400 SEK |
Top recruiters in India for Venture Capitalist
- Sequoia Capital
- Accel
- Blume Ventures
- Elevation Capital
- Tiger Global Management
- Kalaari Capital
- Matrix Partners
- Nexus Venture Partners
- Indian Angel Network
- Omidyar Network India
Top recruiters abroad for Venture Capitalist
- Accel
- Andreessen Horowitz
- Benchmark
- Index Ventures
- Sequoia Capital
- Bessemer Venture Partners
- Founders Fund
- GGV Capital
- IVP
- Bain Capital Ventures
Overall the career is a high-paying, rewarding and responsible career. The job market is said to increase over the next decade. One should try the career for the challenging and rewarding experience.
FAQs about how to become a Venture Capitalist
Who is a Venture Capitalist?
A Venture Capitalist is a person or organization that makes investments in businesses or startups with strong development potential in exchange for an equity stake in the enterprise. Venture capitalists work for a Venture Capital firm, which pools money and makes investment decisions.
How much does a Venture Capitalist earn in India?
A Venture Capitalist earns 15 LPA in India.
What are the technical skills required to become a Venture Capitalist?
Investment skills, Data analysis, Financial analysis, Deal sourcing, Deal analysis, Thesis Building, Ecosystem Management, Enterprising, LP Management.
Is Venture Capitalist a stressful job?
A Venture Capitalist job is a rewarding and responsible career which involves some level of stress.
What are the courses I should choose to become a Venture Capitalist?
A diploma or undergraduate course in business, finance, statistics, mathematics, or related fields.
Do you need experience to become a Venture Capitalist?
To finally get the position in a Venture Capital Firm one will need relevant experience of 3- 5 years.